You are here: Home/Lighting/ Lighting Requirements for a Bearded Dragon

Lighting Requirements for a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons have specific lighting requirements in order to remain healthy and vibrant. The most important lighting requirements for a bearded dragon is the ultraviolet lighting received from the sun.

UVB rays emitted from the sun are crucial for synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin. Vitamin D3 is needed for the metabolism of calcium. Both of these are essential for bone growth and strength, and for preventing Metabolic Bone Disease.

UVA rays help to stimulate bearded dragons, improve appetite, maintain higher activity levels, and even promote breeding. UVA rays are detected by the third eye (or parietal eye) which can stimulate hormone production and release.

Using Fluorescent Bulbs To Replicate The Sun

Since captive raised bearded dragons are mainly kept indoors, these important ultraviolet rays must be replicated to ensure a healthy pet.

The most common method of duplicating the sun’s rays is by using a full-spectrum light bulb. The primary bulb type used specifically for reptiles is fluorescent bulbs.

In recent years, compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and LED bulbs have been developed for lizards that help to save space and improve energy efficiency.

Bearded dragons should be exposed to a full-spectrum lighting at least eight to ten hours per day to ensure adequate exposure to UVA and UVB rays. The best method is to leave the light on for up to fourteen hours in the spring and summer and for up to ten hours per day during the fall and winter.

Always provide adequate lighting for your bearded dragon by using bulbs specifically designed for reptiles

Lighting Placement and Positioning

The bulbs should be placed in a shielded fixture and set on top of the screen cover of the enclosure. Positioning can be important because many bulbs lose their UVB intensity after certain distances.

Most manufacturers require the bulb to be within twelve to eighteen inches from the lizard.

Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for achieving the proper placement for the bulb you use.

Bulb Replacement

Replace full-spectrum light bulbs as often as possible. These bulbs lose their effectiveness after a few months of use. The rule is to replace the full-spectrum bulbs after six months.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for bulb replacement. As a rule of thumb, replace full-spectrum bulbs every 6 months.

Some Precautions for Lighting Requirements for a Bearded Dragon

There are a few precautions to take for supplying sufficient lighting to your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons can be taken outdoors, under warm conditions, so it may receive some natural sunlight.

Never place the enclosure near a window where sunlight can enter it. The glass from home windows and from glass enclosures filters out UVB and UVA rays, so your bearded dragon will not gain any effects from the sunlight.

The sunlight can also heat the enclosure to points that can be unsafe for your pet. Think of a car with the windows rolled up in the summer. That is what can happen to your bearded dragon’s home if the sun peers in.

One other precaution is to make sure the lighting fixtures are not near anything flammable. You don’t want to start a fire!